|
|
 |
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gov. Bush announces plans for presidential exploratory committee
March 2, 1999 AUSTIN, Texas (AllPolitics, March 2) -- Texas Gov. George W. Bush, dropping his coyness, announced Tuesday he will form an exploratory committee to gauge support for a White House bid in 2000. "I wanted the Texas press, and therefore my fellow Texans, to hear it from me first, that this coming Sunday I'm going to announce the formation of an exploratory committee to determine whether or not I should seek the presidency," Bush, 52, said.
"Those of you who cover me every day know I don't make this decision lightly," said Bush, who was joined on the lawn of the Governor's Mansion by his wife Laura. "I've carefully considered its ramifications," Bush continued. Establishing an exploratory committee is usually seen as the first step to launching a run for the presidency. And while Bush insists he's still genuinely undecided on running, a new CNN/USA Today/Gallup Poll shows 54 percent of all Americans say they would choose Bush over Vice President Al Gore if the election were held today. The governor says a final decision isn't expected until after the Texas legislature adjourns May 31 and possibly later. Bush has, however, apparently resolved a reluctance by his wife and daughters =over joining the race. "I dread criticism of my husband. On the other hand, I love George and I'm very proud of him and I know he will make a great president," Mrs. Bush said Tuesday. The November 2000 general election is still more than 20 months off, but recent weeks have seen a flurry of activity, with potential candidates moving closer to running or deciding against it. The latest to announce was conservative commentator Pat Buchanan, who told supporters in Manchester, New Hampshire, Tuesday he would make a third run for the White House. Bush, who calls himself a "compassionate conservative," said he was "encouraged by the outpouring of support from fellow elected officials and party leaders all across our country." Since December, dozens of legislators, business executives, potential contributors and a Middle East ambassador along with Britain's conservative party leader, William Hague, have stopped by the Governor's Mansion for a chat. Political observers say that not since 1896, when Ohio Republican Gov. William McKinley literally campaigned from his front porch in Canton, Ohio, has American politics seen anything like it. Some Republicans see Bush as the best candidate to reach out to voters who often side with Democrats. In his biography on his Texas state government Web page, Bush boasts of capturing 49 percent of the Hispanic vote, 27 percent of the African-American vote and 65 percent of women in his 1998 re-election. Bush, son of former President George Bush, is also a leading choice among potential candidates in early polls. According to a CNN/USA TODAY/ GALLUP Poll released Tuesday, 69 percent of American have a favorable opinion of the Texas governor; only 12 percent have an unfavorable view. Next to Elizabeth Dole, who has a 75 percent favorable rating, Bush is the best-liked potential presidential candidate. And Bush has gained some strength since January, when polls show Bush and Gore were in a virtual tie. Support for Bush has gained steam among many top GOP officials. During the recent National governors conference in Washington, a dozen Republican governors urged him to run for president. A group of Republican state legislators from North Carolina, South Carolina and Connecticut met with Bush Monday, urging him to run. North Carolina state Rep. David Miner said that afterward he thought Bush would be a better candidate than Dole, also touted as a front-runner in the campaign. She has not formally announced her intentions. "He's been elected and Elizabeth Dole has served only in appointed positions," Miner said. So, we think his politics of inclusion, of bringing people together by offering a positive message for the Republican Party, is critical." CNN's Charles Zewe, Keating Holland and The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MORE STORIES:Tuesday, March 2, 1999
• RNC picks new chief of staff • Senate report says Y2K would not pose major disruptions • Senate report: Investigating the Impact of the Year 2000 Problem • Federal judge may order investigation into Hubbell indictment • Buchanan kicks off third White House bid • Monica's big day: Will the nation tune in? • Poll: Most people not interested in Lewinsky interview • Justice opposes renewal of independent counsel law • Bradley encourages lively 2000 race • Lewinsky book already a best-seller • Jackson mum on second White House bid • Linda Tripp to return to Pentagon • High court hears case of nut company that gave gifts to Espy • Prosecutor tries to block day trips for Hinckley • Latest Top 100: 20th century's best U.S. journalism • Lewinsky interview could be easy money for ABC | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Windows Media: 
